Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

The creamy Alfredo sauce envelops every bite of pasta, creating a rich, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the savory, seasoned ground beef. As the beef simmers and browns, it releases those mouthwatering aromas that instantly make you crave a bite. The cheddar cheese melts into the sauce, giving it that irresistible, gooey, cheeseburger-inspired flavor that everyone loves. The slight tang of pickles and the fresh crunch of diced onions bring just the right amount of balance to this dish, cutting through the richness while adding layers of texture. You’ll find yourself savoring each bite, and before you know it, you’ll be pulling out your phone to snap a quick pic to show off this cheesy masterpiece. Don’t forget to finish it off with a sprinkle of crispy bacon for that extra touch of indulgence—because, let’s face it, bacon makes everything better.

Key Ingredients in Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in creating that cheesy, savory goodness. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to bring this indulgent meal to life:

* Fettuccine pasta

The classic base for this dish, fettuccine pasta has just the right amount of width to hold onto all the creamy Alfredo sauce and beefy goodness. Its soft, chewy texture is the perfect vehicle for all those delicious flavors.

* Olive oil

A little drizzle of olive oil helps to cook the ground beef, ensuring it browns nicely and doesn’t stick to the pan. It also adds a slight fruity flavor that enhances the savory components.

* Ground beef

The star of this dish, ground beef brings that meaty richness that makes this recipe taste like a hearty cheeseburger. It’s seasoned and browned to perfection, releasing those amazing aromas we all crave.

* Onion, diced

Sweet and slightly tangy, the onion adds depth to the sauce and pairs beautifully with the ground beef. As it cooks, it softens and sweetens, blending seamlessly into the creamy sauce.

* Garlic, minced

Garlic is a flavor powerhouse, adding a savory depth that enhances the richness of the beef and cheese. It’s a must-have ingredient for that bold, irresistible flavor.

* Salt

Essential for bringing out the flavors in the dish, salt helps to balance the richness of the cheese and the savory notes of the beef. It ensures the sauce is perfectly seasoned.

* Black pepper

Black pepper adds a subtle heat and a bit of a kick, complementing the other spices and elevating the entire dish.

* Smoked paprika

Smoky and slightly sweet, smoked paprika adds a warm, earthy depth to the sauce. It’s the secret ingredient that gives this dish a unique twist and a bit of a smoky edge.

* Onion powder

Onion powder deepens the onion flavor, complementing the fresh diced onion and adding an extra layer of savory goodness to the sauce.

* Heavy cream

The creamy base of the Alfredo sauce, heavy cream is what gives the sauce its velvety, indulgent texture. It brings all the flavors together, making every bite rich and satisfying.

* Whole milk

Whole milk helps balance out the richness of the heavy cream, making the sauce smooth and silky without being too thick. It also helps to create the perfect sauce consistency.

* Shredded mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella gives the sauce a stringy, gooey texture that makes it melt so beautifully. It’s the cheesy base that makes each bite ooze with comfort.

* Shredded cheddar cheese

For that cheeseburger-inspired flavor, shredded cheddar brings a sharp, tangy bite to the sauce. It melts into the creaminess, adding richness and depth.

* Grated Parmesan cheese

Parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish to the dish, providing a subtle complexity to the overall flavor. It’s the perfect finishing touch for the creamy, cheesy sauce.

* Crispy bacon bits

Bacon provides that irresistible crunch and smoky flavor, making every bite feel like a true indulgence. The crispy bacon bits are scattered throughout for a satisfying texture and savory pop.

* Chopped fresh parsley

Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a mild, herbaceous flavor that lightens up the richness of the dish. It’s the final touch that makes the whole meal feel bright and balanced.

* Unsalted butter

Butter enhances the richness of the sauce, giving it a silky finish. It also helps to round out the flavors and create that luxurious mouthfeel we all love in an Alfredo sauce.

How to Make Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. The salty water will help season the pasta as it cooks.

2. Add the fettuccine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

3. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. This starchy water can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.

4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Let the oil warm up before adding the ground beef, ensuring it browns properly.

5. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked. The beef should be crumbly and golden brown.

6. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and translucent. The onion should become sweet and tender as it cooks down.

7. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. The garlic will release its savory aroma, adding an extra layer of depth to the beef mixture.

8. Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder, and stir to combine. These spices will infuse the beef with that irresistible, comforting flavor.

9. Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream and whole milk to the skillet. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

10. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Keep stirring to ensure the cheese blends perfectly into the sauce.

11. If the sauce gets too thick, gradually add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. The pasta water will help the sauce stay smooth and velvety.

12. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy cheeseburger sauce. Make sure each noodle is generously coated with the luscious sauce.

13. Stir in the crispy bacon bits and chopped fresh parsley. The bacon will add that crispy, smoky bite, while the parsley gives the dish a pop of color and freshness.

14. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and stir until melted, making the sauce even creamier. This will enrich the texture and round out the flavors.

15. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed. You want the sauce to be perfectly balanced before serving.

16. Serve the loaded cheeseburger Alfredo pasta immediately, garnishing with extra parsley if desired. The fresh parsley will add a final touch of brightness to this indulgent dish.

Serving Suggestions for Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

* Pair with a crisp green salad

The rich and creamy Alfredo sauce is indulgent, so balance it out with a crisp, refreshing green salad. A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette will cut through the heaviness and add a fresh contrast to every bite of pasta.

* Serve with garlic bread

What’s better than buttery, crispy garlic bread to scoop up all that creamy sauce? The crunchiness and garlic goodness complement the smooth, cheesy pasta so perfectly. Plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

* Top with extra crispy bacon and pickles

If you love a bit of extra indulgence (who doesn’t?), sprinkle a few more crispy bacon bits and sliced pickles on top right before serving. The bacon adds even more crunch, while the pickles bring that tangy pop that makes this dish absolutely irresistible.

How to Store Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that creamy, cheesy goodness fresh. Here are a few simple tips:

* Refrigerate in an airtight container

Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This will help preserve the creamy texture of the sauce and keep the flavors intact.

* Freeze for longer storage

If you want to enjoy it later, freeze your loaded cheeseburger Alfredo pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It should keep for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

* Reheat with a splash of milk or cream

When reheating leftovers, the sauce might have thickened a bit. Simply add a splash of milk or cream to the skillet to bring the sauce back to that perfect creamy consistency. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warm. You can also reheat in the microwave, but stirring halfway through ensures it heats evenly.

These easy storage methods will let you savor the cheesy, savory goodness of your loaded cheeseburger Alfredo pasta all over again!

Conclusion

And there you have it—Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta, a comforting, cheesy, and downright indulgent dish that will quickly become a family favorite. From the savory ground beef and melted cheese to the crispy bacon and tangy pickles, every bite is packed with bold flavors and textures that just feel like home. Whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it up for a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

If you try making it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Feel free to drop me a comment or share any questions or feedback you might have. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe. If you’ve got any thoughts or suggestions, let’s chat! Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Print Recipe

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 650

Description

A creamy, cheesy pasta topped with juicy, tender bites of seasoned cheeseburger. Savory beef, melted cheese, and a rich Alfredo sauce come together in a mouthwatering blend of flavors, creating a comforting, all-in-one meal you won’t be able to resist!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 8 ounces fettuccine pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon onion powder

• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¹⁄₄ cup crispy bacon bits

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the fettuccine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
5. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
6. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked.
7. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and translucent.
8. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
9. Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder, and stir to combine.
10. Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream and whole milk to the skillet.
11. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
12. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
13. If the sauce gets too thick, gradually add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
14. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy cheeseburger sauce.
15. Stir in the crispy bacon bits and chopped fresh parsley.
16. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and stir until melted, making the sauce even creamier.
17. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
18. Serve the loaded cheeseburger Alfredo pasta immediately, garnishing with extra parsley if desired.

Note

• Be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• For extra flavor, try using garlic powder or red pepper flakes to spice up the dish.
• To make the sauce richer, consider using half-and-half instead of whole milk.
• If you prefer a leaner option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• For a crispy texture, top the pasta with extra bacon bits just before serving.

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